Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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76. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the composition and function of the National Advisory Council for Online Safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21706/19]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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As part of the Action Plan for Online Safety, the Government established the National Advisory Council for Online Safety in September 2018.The Council has 20 members and is chaired by Minister of State Seán Canney. The membership of the Council is drawn from children's and parents' organisations, government agencies, online platforms and industry representatives, and experts on online safety issues.​ This recognises the importance of a multi-stakeholder approach in dealing with online safety issues. The Department of Communications, Climate Action & Environment provides the Secretariat to the Council

The Council's role is as follows:

- To provide advice to Government on online safety issues,

- To identify emerging issues where Government intervention might be needed,

- To help in the creation of clear and easy to understand online safety guidance materials for all internet users, and,

- To examine national and international research and communicate key findings to Government, stakeholders and the wider public.​

The first meeting of the Council took place on 4 October, 2018. Meetings have since been held in November 2018, January 2019 and May 2019. The Council intends to continue meeting on a quarterly basis.

The Council published its first progress report on 5 February 2019 to coincide with Safer Internet Day.

The membership of the Council, the minutes of its meetings and its recent progress report are available on the website of the Department of Communications, Climate Action & Environment.